During the Asian Games held in Aichi Nagoya, Manmati Bist created unforgettable moments in her sporting career while playing kabaddi. Early on, she had the honor of carrying the Nepali flag during the opening ceremony’s march-past, representing the Nepalese team. Such an honor is bestowed on very few athletes. Subsequently, under her captaincy, the kabaddi team secured a bronze medal. This is a remarkable achievement for any athlete in their career. “I have trained hard for two years. I am extremely happy to continuously win medals for the country. I want to thank all the athletes who have supported and helped me,” she said.
Winning a medal at the Asian Games is nothing new for Manmati. She has scripted numerous success stories so far. She was a key member of the women’s kabaddi team that won a bronze medal at the 19th Asian Games in 2023. Earlier, the women’s kabaddi team had won a silver medal at the 13th South Asian Games. In the past Baishakh (Nepali month), under her leadership, the kabaddi team secured a bronze medal at the Asian Beach Games. Manmati has played an unparalleled role in the consistent success of women’s kabaddi.
However, she was not initially involved in kabaddi. She was originally a national-level athlete in athletics. Her transition from athletics to kabaddi presents an interesting and emotional journey in her sporting life. She rose to prominence by winning gold medals in 400 meters hurdles, 800 meters run, 4×100 meters relay, and 4×400 meters relay at the sixth National Games in Dhangadhi, establishing herself as a national athlete.
In 2016, she was selected for the 400 meters race at the 12th South Asian Games held in India. However, she faced a major disappointment upon arrival: she found her name missing from the athletes’ list. After years of hard work, her dream of competing in a major South Asian event was shattered. This setback affected her morale, leading to a permanent decision to quit athletics. The new opportunity offered by kabaddi emotionally rejuvenated her. At the Nepal Police’s Maharajganj complex, she was trying to forget her sorrows when she noticed a kabaddi practice session in progress. She recounts, “My sisters invited me to play today. I went to the field to distract myself, and I really enjoyed it. It didn’t take long to understand the game.”
